Meaning & Origins

Pet form of both Margaret and Mary. The popularity of this name, which was at its height in the early 20th century, has been reinforced by the fact that it fits into the series of month names with April and June, and also belongs to the group of flower names, being another word for the hawthorn, whose white flowers blossom in May. It is now not much used independently but is a common component of compounds such as Ella-May, Lily-May, and Daisy-May.